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Executive director discusses ESG at Global Business Summit
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Executive Director Erin Aleman spoke on a panel at the Environment Analyst Global Business Summit this week. The panel discussed how the public, private, and nongovernmental sectors can put the "S" in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) to advance investments and infrastructure that help communities.
Panelists highlighted the importance of good data at the local and regional scales. Erin discussed how CMAP reformed its distribution approach for Surface Transportation Program funds to make lasting contributions where the transportation system is most in need of improvement. Working with our regional partners, CMAP added project selection criteria that consider the health of sensitive populations, disadvantaged communities, and vulnerable users.
Governments and organizations also must meaningfully engage communities so they have real input on and ownership of projects. CMAP is working to build stronger relationships with communities and directly engage community organizations in our activities through the Community Alliance for Regional Equity (CARE). CARE helps overcome barriers to equitable engagement in order to drive more equitable outcomes and opportunities for everyone across our region.
Erin was joined by Katrina Kroeze, senior advisor of ESG and strategic sustainability at GHD; moderator Bob Beinstein, vice president and global environmental, social, and governance implementation lead at AECOM; and Amit Bando, chief economist and senior advisor of just and inclusive economics at Ceres.
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Governor signs law to require EV charging capability in new homes
Earlier this month, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Act, Senate Bill 40, into law. It requires all new single-family homes and multifamily buildings to include EV-capable parking — the electric panel capacity and conduit needed for charging. It does not require the installation of EV chargers. The goal is to reduce upfront costs for a resident to install an EV charger by already including the basic electrical parts needed for charging, promoting EV-readiness in buildings. It goes into effect January 1.
In 2021, Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which set a goal of adopting 1 million EVs in Illinois by 2030. Since then, he has signed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act, which incentivizes EV manufacturing in the state. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded $12.6 million for new direct current fast charging ports in 87 places around the state.
As EVs become more popular, regional coordination is important to make sure northeastern Illinois — and the state as a whole — has an equitable and efficient charging network.
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Fabulous Fox! Water Trail added to National Trails System
The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail has been added to America's National Trails System. It is one of the new national recreation trails designated by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. The 158-mile trail runs from southeast Wisconsin to northeastern Illinois, through McHenry, Lake, Kane, and Kendall counties.
CMAP supported the designation for a water trail that offers outstanding recreational activities in northeastern Illinois and beyond. CMAP has completed three corridor plans for sections of the Fox River through the technical assistance program, and each of the plans has touched on the water trail planning initiative.
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Volunteers needed to measure heat in Chicago
Chicago is seeking volunteers for Heat Watch 2023 — a study to discover which areas of the community are hotter and cooler during an extreme heat event. On one designated campaign day, over three shifts (morning, midday, and evening), volunteers will travel routes with heat sensors on their own cars measuring temperature, humidity, time, and location.
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Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium
The Alliance for Water Efficiency is hosting its first symposium August 2-3 in Chicago. The Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium feature a mix of presentations, panels, and roundtables, with a primary focus on actionable research and resources and peer-to-peer learning for water efficiency and sustainability professionals. Early bird pricing ends Friday, June 30.
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Illinois Renewable Energy Conference
The Illinois Renewable Energy Conference will be on September 20-21 in Normal, Illinois. Join industry leaders discussing current topics surrounding renewable energy in Illinois and the surrounding regions. Gain insights into industry trends; explore the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act; and find solutions for entering the renewable energy career path.
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Climate Resilience Regional Challenge to fund adaptation projects
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is offering grant assistance through Climate Resilience Regional Challenge. Funding covers projects that build the resilience of coastal communities to extreme weather and other impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and drought, and there is no requirement for matching funds. A letter of intent is due Monday, August 21.
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Apply for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Financial Assistance Program
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for the Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Financial Assistance Program. Projects must address water quality issues related to nonpoint source pollution. Funds can be used for the development, update, and implementation of watershed-based management plans, including information and education programs, and for the installation of best management practices. Applications are due Friday, September 15.
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